“I want to be a PT because unlike other healthcare professionals, physical therapists always see their patients for long periods of time.”
If I had a dollar for each time I read this in a PTCAS admissions essay, I could make a dent in the average PT’s student loans.
But is it really true?
Many physical therapists practice in settings where this is not the case. In hospitals, many patients are seen once or only a handful of times by physical therapists before they are discharged. The same can also be true in rehabilitation settings, home health, or in schools.
Even in outpatient orthopedics, where I practice, I often see patients for only a few sessions. Maybe they attended to learn how to prevent injury or sometimes they just heal very quickly.
One of my favorite PT school professors, Dr. Wong, used to say most injuries will heal on their own, a skilled PT just helps people heal faster. Some of my best episodes of care have been when a patient comes in just once or twice, goes along with my education and exercise suggestions, and comes back to say they’re almost better and don’t need my help anymore. I may not have enough time to get to know them and develop a close relationship, but I’m grateful I got to help them.
For all of these reasons, making a blanket statement about seeing all your future patients for long periods of time can demonstrate a lack of understanding of the full scope of practice for PT’s. You’re not doing yourself any favors by making it clear you only have experience in OP ortho and only see PT through that lens.
This doesn’t mean building relationships isn’t a great reason to want to be a PT or that you shouldn’t include it in your essay. But part of being a PT means recognizing that few things in healthcare — and in life — are black and white. Most of us get into this field to build relationships, and that truly is one of the best parts of our job. But remember when writing your personal statement that not every PT treats in this way, and that by demonstrating a bit of nuance, you’ll be setting yourself up for a more successful personal statement.